COLOMBO, April 7 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday (7) presented a new economic relief package in Parliament aimed at supporting groups affected by the ongoing Middle East crisis, outlining a series of subsidy increases and cost-of-living measures.

Addressing the House, the President announced that the fertilizer subsidy for the upcoming Yala season will be increased to Rs 30,000 per hectare, while the subsidy for other crops will be raised from Rs15,000 to Rs 18,000 per hectare.

He also detailed revisions to the Aswesuma welfare program, with the Rs 17,500 allowance set to increase to Rs 25,000, and the Rs 10,000 allowance raised to Rs 15,000. The transition allowance will be increased by Rs 2,500.

The President said se...